Main Menu

Donate to Isles FM

Local News for Friday 7th September 2018

STORNOWAY AIRPORT STAFF TO DO 135KM CHARITY CYCLEThere will be a whole lot of pedal power on the roads tomorrow Saturday 8th September when 18 Stornoway Airport Staff leave behind their usual modes of transport and take part in the Lighthouse2lighthouse 135 Km Charity cycle.The Airport Staff, comprised of workers from the Firefighting, Air Traffic, Security and Rescue Helicopter departments will be doning the lycra and helmet before they attempt to cycle from Eilean Glas Lighthouse in Scalpay to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse in 10 hours or under to try and raise £1,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative.

Persons wishing support their Western Isles Cancer Support fundraising endevour can donate at anytime either by mobile phone by texting SAAS69 to 70070 or can donate online by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/donald-macmillan3

FIFTH HEBRIDES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ON SOONFinal preparations are underway for the fifth Hebrides International Film Festival – taking place throughout the Outer Hebrides from Wednesday 19th September to Saturday 22nd September. Only films made within the last three years are eligible to be included in the programme, which is curated by Muriel Ann Macleod, director of the Rural Nations Community Interest Company.All the films being shown fit within the festival’s broad theme of “islands, environmental issues and indigenous peoples” and this year there is a particular focus on the “ocean” theme, in particular, the global environmental crisis of plastic pollution.There are approximately 26 feature films, most of which will be paired with ‘short’ films or documentaries, on the programme. The full programme is available online now – at www.hebfilmfestival.org and details will also be available at the An Lanntair website. The festival can also be followed on Twitter @HebIntFilmFest.

SEPA TO END EXEMPTIONS FOR BURNING FARM PLASTICSThe Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced its next steps to stem the plastic tide by confirming it will end exemptions for burning most types of agricultural waste from 1 January 2019.Whilst a change in Scotland’s environmental regulations in 2013 meant farmers could continue burning plastics only under an exemption, the agency is moving to reduce the environmental impacts of farm waste.The move, which will affect silage wrap, crop covers, fertiliser bags and containers, follows extensive engagement between SEPA and Zero Waste Scotland. SEPA has also worked closely with NFU Scotland to roll out the change which will feature ongoing dialogue with farmers and crofters over the coming months.Ending the exemption will not only align with the legal requirement for all Scottish businesses to present plastics and other items separately for collection, but will help boost the Scottish market for recycled plastics.SEPA, NFU Scotland and Zero Waste Scotland have developed a simple set of resources for Scottish farmers, including a list of Scottish recyclers who stand ready to help farmers get plastic waste sorted. Further information is available from www.sepa.org.uk/farmplastics